Eugene Onegin: A Literary Masterpiece in Verse from Penguin Classics

Eugene Onegin, written by the renowned Russian poet Alexander Pushkin, is a captivating and timeless novel in verse that has captivated readers for generations. First published in 1833, this epic work is considered a masterpiece of Russian literature and has been translated into countless languages. Penguin Classics has released a definitive edition of Eugene Onegin, featuring a comprehensive , annotations, and the original Russian text alongside the classic translation by Charles Johnston.

Eugene Onegin: A Novel in Verse (Penguin Classics)

by Alexander Pushkin

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1292 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	308 pages
Paperback	:	74 pages
Item Weight	:	3.84 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.17 x 9 inches

FREE

Plot Overview

The novel follows the titular character, Eugene Onegin, a disillusioned and cynical young aristocrat living in early 19th-century Russia. Bored with the shallowness and superficiality of society, Onegin retreats to the countryside, where he meets and befriends the passionate and romantic poet Vladimir Lensky. Lensky introduces Onegin to his fiancée, Olga Larina, and her older sister, Tatiana.

Tatiana, a naive and imaginative young woman, falls deeply in love with Onegin. However, he initially rejects her affections, seeing her as too innocent and unsophisticated for his world. Heartbroken, Tatiana writes a heartfelt letter to Onegin, expressing her love and longing.

Years later, Onegin undergoes a profound transformation and realizes his true feelings for Tatiana. However, by this time, she has married a wealthy and influential general and rejects his advances. The novel ends tragically, with Onegin driven to a duel with Lensky and ultimately killing his former friend.

Characters and Themes

Eugene Onegin is a complex and enigmatic character. He is intelligent, witty, and charming, but also disillusioned, aloof, and self-destructive. His rejection of Tatiana's love and subsequent duel with Lensky highlight his emotional detachment and inability to fully engage with others.

Tatiana, in contrast, is a passionate, imaginative, and deeply emotional young woman. Her love for Onegin is both innocent and powerful, and her rejection of his advances shows her strength and resilience.

The novel explores a wide range of themes, including love, loss, friendship, societal expectations, and the search for meaning in life. Pushkin's masterful use of verse and rhyme captures the nuances of human emotions and the complexities of human relationships.

Literary Significance

Eugene Onegin holds a significant place in the history of Russian literature and has had a profound influence on subsequent generations of writers. The novel's innovative use of verse and rhyme, its exploration of complex psychological themes, and its depiction of Russian society make it a landmark work in Russian literature.

Pushkin's use of a colloquial and conversational style in the novel introduced a new and accessible form of poetic expression. He broke away from the traditional conventions of classical poetry and created a more natural and realistic style that captured the rhythms of everyday speech.

Penguin Classics Edition

The Penguin Classics edition of Eugene Onegin is an authoritative and beautifully presented volume. It features a comprehensive by acclaimed Russian literature scholar J. Thomas Shaw, which provides invaluable context and insights into the novel's historical, cultural, and literary significance.

The edition also includes detailed annotations that explain cultural references, literary allusions, and historical events mentioned in the text. The original Russian text is printed alongside the classic translation by Charles Johnston, allowing readers to engage with the novel in both languages.

Eugene Onegin is a literary masterpiece that continues to enchant and inspire readers today. Its timeless themes, vivid characters, and exquisite language make it a must-read for anyone interested in Russian literature, poetry, and the human condition. The Penguin Classics edition offers a definitive and accessible version of this classic work, providing readers with a rich and rewarding experience.

Additional Keywords

• Russian literature
• Alexander Pushkin
• Novel in verse
• Love and loss
• Penguin Classics
• Literary masterpiece
• Russian poetry

Eugene Onegin: A Novel in Verse (Penguin Classics)

by Alexander Pushkin

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1292 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	308 pages
Paperback	:	74 pages
Item Weight	:	3.84 ounces
Dimensions	:	6 x 0.17 x 9 inches

FREE